Six nations starts today!!

SmallTown said:
www.bbc.co.uk

England captain Farrell dropped as Smith comes in

England captain Owen Farrell is replaced by Marcus Smith in the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Twickenham.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk

Well, that's an about face. From not being in the squad 4 dyas ago!

Good to see him given a run out. Good to see Gengey as skipper too. I reckon he has a lot to give
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It is a big year in rugby with the World Cup in September and it is now up to Smith to grab this opportunity with both hands.

Regarding Farrell though, do you think something went on or is it purely on form (you said Smith had a blinder for Quinns)?
 
SmallTown said:
www.bbc.co.uk

England captain Farrell dropped as Smith comes in

England captain Owen Farrell is replaced by Marcus Smith in the starting line-up for Saturday's Six Nations match against France at Twickenham.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk

Well, that's an about face. From not being in the squad 4 dyas ago!

Good to see him given a run out. Good to see Gengey as skipper too. I reckon he has a lot to give
Click to expand...

Must say I am very excited by this. Some good carriers amongst those backs and hopefully Smith is given licence to continue his form from the game on Saturday. I must admit, I didn't appreciate the headlines of "Smith is dropped" from last weeks papers. Masterstroke of Borthwick to let him play for Quins at the weekend.

I do have a good feeling about Saturday - I think we'll sneak it 20-15.
 
FatFrank said:
Must say I am very excited by this. Some good carriers amongst those backs and hopefully Smith is given licence to continue his form from the game on Saturday. I must admit, I didn't appreciate the headlines of "Smith is dropped" from last weeks papers. Masterstroke of Borthwick to let him play for Quins at the weekend.

I do have a good feeling about Saturday - I think we'll sneak it 20-15.
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As someone who was at Twickenham at the weekend, I am greatful Borthwick gave him the run out. I wonder if that was his plan all along? Really harsh on Fordy if so, to call him up and drop him. Maybe he just wanted to see smiths fitness levels? He's missed a lot of rugby this season
 
Good to see Danty back for France - wonder if he'll be fully fit though - if he is, or somewhere near, I'd have France favourites ..... though I wonder about the depth of talent in the Props department, as the two regulars are both banned

Must admit I don't get this Malins love-in either - flatters to deceive
 
I was chatting to the wife about the rugby at the weekend and planning our day around it. I mentioned Farrell was dropped for Smith and she immediately said he didn't look right against Wales. She went on to say that she had mentioned at the time that he looked uncomfortable during the national anthems and that it had continued into the game with his kicking.

I wonder if he is feeling the pressure.
 
Norman_Conquest said:
I was chatting to the wife about the rugby at the weekend and planning our day around it. I mentioned Farrell was dropped for Smith and she immediately said he didn't look right against Wales. She went on to say that she had mentioned at the time that he looked uncomfortable during the national anthems and that it had continued into the game with his kicking.

I wonder if he is feeling the pressure.
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He's probably hearing it too. There was a very nixed reaction when his name was read out against Italy, quite a few boos. Followed by a big cheer (For a sub) when Smiths name was read out. I wonder if not being popular is getting to him?
 
I always thought Farrell was stronger than that to be honest, but his tee kicking has been well below par, especially with some straight forward kicks as well.

I do really have a good feeling for Smith tomorrow, I have been watching the Inside Line videos online and Smith looks to be the anchor throughout everything. I think we're going to see the best of Watson and Malins being given the opportunities of fast, wide ball this weekend.
 
FatFrank said:
I always thought Farrell was stronger than that to be honest, but his tee kicking has been well below par, especially with some straight forward kicks as well.

I do really have a good feeling for Smith tomorrow, I have been watching the Inside Line videos online and Smith looks to be the anchor throughout everything. I think we're going to see the best of Watson and Malins being given the opportunities of fast, wide ball this weekend.
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I hope you're right. I'd love to see Smith shine for England. Looks forward to seeing how how links up with Lawrence, it should be exciting. I still think we will struggle though. As positive and attacking as our back line looks, theirs is more positive, some of those french backs, it's like tackling mist.

@Malaguena has a great point too. For all the flair on show, England V france always has a set piece arm wrestle to contend with. If we win that, we might be able to compensate for the fact our attack isn't quite on a par with theirs.
 
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